Matching First-Time Gifts to Jewish Day Schools

Sparking and Strengthening Day School Funding

Jewish day schools build strong Jewish identities and an extensive peer community that supports a positive and knowledgeable Jewish identity.

In an effort to bring new donors into the community of day school supporters, the AVI CHAI Foundation cultivates relationships with philanthropic partners across North America to create matching grant programs for Jewish day schools. Grants match gifts from new donors at 50 cents to the dollar up to a maximum of $50,000 in matching funds per school.
In previous rounds of MATCH, over 200 schools across North America brought over $58 million to their schools from first-time donors and donors who made significant increases in their gifts. Nearly 80% of new MATCH donors continue to support of Jewish day schools.

What communities are currently participating?

As of September 2015, MATCH programs exist for Jewish day schools in Chicago and Montreal.

MATCH Chicago is a program of AVI CHAI and the Crown Family Philanthropies. Applications will be accepted from February 2, 2015 until November 2, 2015. Gifts paid between February 2, 2015 and December 31, 2015 may be eligible for matching funds.

MATCH Chicago is no longer accepting applications.

MATCH Montreal is a program of AVI CHAI and Federation CJA. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2015 until August 31, 2016. Gifts paid between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 may be eligible for matching funds.

The MATCH program in each community has specific requirements, applications, and eligibility guidelines. Please visit the relevant webpages to review all program details carefully.